Is rosacea contagious?

Can you pass rosacea to a partner or family member?

Rosacea does not pass from one person to another through physical contact or the air. There is no need to avoid affection or keep your distance because of rosacea. It is also not caused by poor hygiene, so washing more often is not a way to prevent someone else from getting it. These facts apply to rosacea, not to every unexplained facial rash.25

Why do people get rosacea if it is not an infection?

The exact cause is unknown. Genetics, immune system changes and environmental factors may contribute. A reaction to Demodex, a microscopic mite that lives on the skin, is another possible factor. Rosacea can run in families, but having relatives with it is different from catching it from them. Antibiotics can help because they reduce inflammation, not because rosacea needs to be treated as a contagious infection.136

Can touching your face spread rosacea?

Applying medication does not transfer rosacea from one part of your face to another. Rough cleansing or application can aggravate symptoms, though.7

1. 1Clean your hands first, removing any dirt or gritty material.
2. 2Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid abrasive cloths and excessive rubbing or scrubbing.
3. 3Let your face dry before applying your prescribed topical medication.
4. 4Follow your prescription instructions for how much medication to use and how often.

Why do symptoms get worse at times?

A flare is a worsening of symptoms, not evidence of contagion. Common triggers include sunlight, hot or cold weather, hot drinks, spicy food, alcohol, exercise and stress. Some skincare products can also trigger symptoms. Focus on the triggers that affect you rather than assuming every item on that list must be avoided. A daily trigger diary can help identify patterns, giving your notebook a more useful job than storing abandoned shopping lists.46

What helps rosacea?

Use gentle skincare and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, reapplying frequently outdoors. A moisturizer without perfume can help dry or sensitive skin. Avoid corticosteroid creams on your face unless your dermatologist specifically recommends them. Some acne treatments can irritate rosacea, so acne like bumps are not a reason to start an acne treatment on your own.56

There is no cure, but treatment can control symptoms. Prescription creams or gels can address inflammation or redness; oral antibiotics can help inflammatory bumps. A treatment that helps bumps will not necessarily help flushing. Some topical treatments take at least eight weeks to show an effect. Certain prescriptions temporarily fade persistent color, with the best results usually appearing three to six hours after application.1456

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if you think you have rosacea, especially with persistent facial color, repeated flushing, bumps or burning. Rosacea affects all skin tones; lasting color can look red, violet or brown. Similar symptoms can come from other conditions, so appearance alone is not a reason to diagnose yourself.14

Seek urgent medical help if you have rosacea with eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, a red eye or a gritty feeling. These can be signs of keratitis, inflammation affecting the front of the eye, which needs urgent treatment.56